What is China 5?
2 Answers
China 5 refers to the National Fifth Stage Emission Standards for motor vehicles, which impose stricter limits on pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) emitted by vehicles. The purpose is to reduce and prevent environmental pollution caused by vehicle exhaust, protect the ecological environment, and ensure human health. The requirements of China 5 are: 1. The CO emissions per kilometer driven must not exceed 1000 milligrams; 2. The non-methane hydrocarbon emissions per kilometer driven must not exceed 68 milligrams; 3. The NOx emissions per kilometer driven must not exceed 60 milligrams; 4. The fine particulate matter emissions per kilometer driven must not exceed 4.5 milligrams.
With over two decades of experience in the automotive repair industry, I often get asked about what China 5 actually means. Simply put, China 5 refers to the fifth-phase vehicle emission standards in China, which set limits on pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that cars can emit. These standards were rolled out around 2017 to combat smog and air pollution. I've inspected countless vehicles for owners—China 5-compliant cars require more advanced engine technologies, such as catalytic converters, to control emissions. Compared to the earlier China 4 standards, China 5 is significantly stricter, with lower pollutant limits per kilogram of exhaust. For example, the nitrogen oxide limit dropped from 0.08 grams under China 4 to 0.06 grams. If you're driving an older car, it might fail annual inspections due to non-compliance and face retirement. This isn't just a technological upgrade—it's about public health. Imagine cleaner urban air making our breathing easier. When buying a car, check the environmental label—opting for a China 5 vehicle saves hassle and reduces maintenance headaches down the road.
